Magazine, has occurred. A society at Stanhope, in Weardale, formerly joined to the Methodist Free Church of the Shotley Bridge Circuit, but latterly left without a circuit preacher, and fully sympathizing with us in doctrine, ordinances, and discipline, invited us to a fellowship with them. In the interview, a perfect understanding was obtained; and by a unanimous vote, first of the leaders' meeting, and next of the whole society, they decided to identify themselves with us. There are twenty-nine members, with two on trial, including seven local preachers. The union, I doubt not, will be one of mutual congratulation. They rejoice to unite with us; and we, on our part, welcome, and are prepared to work with, them. Stanhope stands in one of the finest dales in the world, where a warm-hearted and zealous people reside. With its liberal polity, and the addition of a burning zeal, the New Connexion, once introduced into these parts, should never stop till it has societies linked together in fraternal feeling and undying love, in all the villages upward to Wearhead and Tees. dale. May God speed our march!

Apologizing for the length to which my letter has unavoidably extended, I must conclude; and yet I would not like to conclude without a word respecting Hartlepool. The chapel-a large and beautiful one-will be opened on Good Friday, and a bazaar in its favour will be held on Easter Monday. The ladies there have worked hard and strong to make it successful, and they deserve success; but as they have not been long in our family, any patronage that friends can extend to them will be peculiarly welcome. Every sinew is strained-the work is a great one; but once achieved, Hartlepool will be in a fine position, alike to represent the Connexion, and to extend the Saviour's glorious reign. Durham.

J. STOKOE.

HARTLEPOOL,

DURHAM CIRCUIT.

MY DEAR BROTHER,-Will you insert the following communication in your next issue? The intelligence is too cheering to be delayed, and it must be delayed if it wait for the next Missionary Notice. Some other facts of a very pleasing kind are given in Mr. Downes' letter, but as they refer to Durham Circuit, and

not to the missionary branch of it, I do not feel at liberty to give them. Hartlepool has now 100 members, with 31 on trial.

Yours affectionately,
J. STACEY.

Hartlepool, Jan. 11, 1860. My dear Sir, - In returning you the schedule for the past quarter, I am happy in having to report continued peace and prosperity on this station. In a recent communication to you, I intimated that we were holding special prayer meetings, and that a visible impression was being produced on the minds of many of our congregation. Gradual additions had been made to our members, but no marked occurrence transpired until Sunday, November 20th. On that day-being the Sabbath for interchange-my esteemed brother and colleague, the Rev. J. W. Williams, preached at West Hartlepool in the morning, and at Hartlepool in the evening. The service at the latter place was one long to be remembered. The preacher selected for his text, "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God," and after a faithful and earnest exposition and application of the passage, he proceeded at once to hold the prayer meeting, which he conducted in his usual felicitous manner. The invitation to seekers of salvation to come to the penitent form-or, as it is styled by Dr. and Mrs. Palmer, "the altar of prayer" was speedily responded to, and there was soon so many penitents, that room to accommodate them was with difficulty procured. The strong man of years, the mature matron, and the young-of ages varying from fifteen to sixty years-were seen bending before the footstool of mercy, and supplicating the throne of the heavenly grace. Forty persons found peace, and went home rejoicing in the assurance of God's pardoning love.

I returned home on the Monday, and was delighted to find such a gracious visitation had been vouchsafed. We continued to hold special prayer meetings during the week, at which several more persons boldly avowed themselves chosers of the Lord for their God, and his service as their delight. One incident in connection with the Sabbath evening's service demands especial notice. Amongst the penitents were Captain and Mrs. Percy. Captain Percy was master of

a ship belonging to two of our leading friends. By reason of indisposition he had been prevented from proceeding to sea during the previous week, but on the Tuesday morning following he sailed. On the Friday morning the vessel came into collision with a large barque. Five of the crew succeeded in leaping on board the barque, but two more of them, it is feared, in leaping, fell into the sea. Captain Percy was left on board his ship, and doubtless went down with her. His disconsolate widow, left with five young children, can, however, with David, sing of

mercy and judgment "-judgment in the dispensation, mercy in that her husband was prepared for his change. "The secret things belong unto the Lord our God."

Brother Williams' labours having been so beneficial, arrangements were made for his speedy return. I took his appointments on the other side of the circuit, whilst he conducted a fortnight's special services, commencing on Sabbath, December 11th. Notwithstanding the storm and inclemency of the weather, the services were well attended, and upwards of thirty more persons were added to the previous list. Wesleyans, Independents, and Presbyterians were amongst the number. I had completed the quarterly visitation before the second series of services was held, and found our number to be 84 members, with 30 on trial. We have now about 50 on trial.

I am happy to say that on the west side we have signs of improvement. Ten more persons have united with us in Church membership, and our congregations are improving. A Sabbath-school was commenced last Sabbath, and, with a more suitable and convenient place of worship, I believe we should go on and prosper.

I am happy to inform you that our chapel at Hartlepool is now up, roofed and slated. The plastering is in progress, and notwithstanding the delay occasioned by the storm, we yet hope to dedicate it for worship on Good Friday. It is pronounced-as it truly is-the best public building in Hartlepool, and an ornament to the town. The rapidity of its erection and completion is a wonder to all. Permit me again, through you, to remind our friends of the Bazaar to be held on Easter Monday and Tuesday, and to acknowledge the kindness of Mrs. T. Heaps, of Leeds, who, in addition to

the ladies I named in my last communication, has consented to receive consignments on our behalf.

Praying, expecting, and labouring for increased success, I remain, dear Sir, yours faithfully and affectionately, HENRY DOWNES.

The Rev. J. Stacey.

GOOD WORK AT BARNSLEY CIRCUIT.

MY DEAR BROTHER, You will be pleased to hear that, as a circuit, we are favoured with continued prosperity. With one or two exceptions, our societies are in a good state. Our January Quarterly Meeting was one of great interest, and the friends returned to their homes with an evident determination to labour on at God's command. When our returns were completed, we found that we had 492 members and 124 probationers, being an increase of 80 members on the return to the last Conference, and 64 on trial. I ought to mention that a gracious revival of God's work has been going on for some time at Mapplewell, during which a large number have been brought to God, and made happy in the Saviour's love. Other Churches as well as our own will be increased by it. May the blessed work go on, and spread more extensively! I am, dear Brother, Yours affectionately, WM. REYNolds.

CHAPEL ENLARGEMENT AT BOLTON.

ON Monday, Jan. 2nd, the usual annual tea-meeting was held in the school-room connected with our chapel at Bolton, and was most numerously attended.

A

The room was tastefully decorated, and reflected credit on those who had superintended the arrangement. due compliment was paid to their ability by Mr. George Barlow in the proposal of a vote of thanks; he also took occasion to allude to those more important decorations of the mind and heart which each should strive to possess.

On the removal of the tables the more immediate business of the meeting commenced, under the presidency of our beloved pastor, Mr. Bishop, who, in the course of a very able address, remarked that one of the special characteristics of the present age was an evident desire on the part of churches of various denominations to extend

the means for the promotion of true Christianity. This was a glorious privilege, presenting, as it did, in an eminent degree, noble opportunities for the exercise of Christian zeal and benevolence. The speaker then alluded to the great want of accommodation which existed in the adjoining chapel, and the impossibility of furnishing, particularly in the gallery, the required number of seats to those who had made application, and suggested that united and persevering effort should at once be made in order to raise the necessary funds for an extension of the present building.

Messrs. Pilling, Cunliffe, Aldred, and others then addressed the meeting on the above and kindred subjects, after which a subscription was entered into with a good spirit, and a very handsome amount promised in aid of the desired object.

The writer is pleased to add that the requisite plans are being prepared, and in a short time it is expected that a very considerable enlargement of the chapel will have been completed.

During the evening the chapel choir, accompanied by a pianoforte, ably presided over by Miss Ellen Marsden, contributed in an efficient manner to the interest of the meeting. Some very interesting recitations from several of the Sabbath scholars also assisted in making up the pleasure of an evening, which, from its happy, social character, will furnish agreeable reminiscences for a long time to come. H.

OUR CAUSE AT BURY. MR. EDITOR.-Dear Sir,-Having been appointed to Bury as a home missionary, I feel it my duty to give some information respecting its present position and future prospects.

Our chapel and schools were mortgaged for £300, fifty of which had been paid previous to April quarterday, when notice was given to the trustees to pay in the whole amount on the 7th June, 1859. With difficulty, the trustees raised £25, and begged for a little time, promising to pay £25 more in a month. This they were unable to raise, and were given to entertain great fears respecting the safety of the chapel.

After my arrival here, one of the first things I heard was, that the £175 must be paid to the mortgagee, or the chapel must be sold. This information had spread; parties were making inquiries about the price of it.

To make any advance, under such circumstances, I felt convinced was impossible. I therefore wrote to the Chapel Committee to inform them of the case, and they generously responded to our appeal, and sent us the sum of £100. This generous act of the Chapel Fund Committee inspired the whole of our little society-consisting of sixty members-with new life, and opened before us the most pleasing prospects. When the £100 came, smiles were seen on every face, and tears of joy fell from many eyes. Our £25, before promised, was raised, and the debt on the chapel and schools reduced to £50.

The next object to be attended to, was the painting and repairing the chapel; but the most serious inquiry was, how are the means to be obtained? This, however, was accomplished.

Men of small earnings brought their 1s. per week, children, sixpences, and widows their cheerful offerings. Five friends gave £1 each; J. Whittaker, Esq., of Higher Hurst (ten thousand thanks for his benevolence !) sent £10, and never shall I forget the influence that donation had upon the minds of our friends. Many are the prayers that have since ascended to heaven in his behalf.

Much more was required to be done than was at first expected. Our plans were improved as the funds increased, until it was resolved to make the im. provements as complete as possible. We were at length surprised to find we had incurred a debt of £70, and equally surprised to find ourselves in the receipt of £60 towards paying it.

Several sittings have been let, while the chapel has been repaired. Two sinners have found salvation. The society is peaceful and happy, looking forward with bright anticipations for the outpourings of the Holy Spirit.

Next March (1860) we intend to put forth our best efforts to pay off the whole of the debt which remains upon our chapel and schools, so that, without incumbrance, we may devote all our resources to promote the interests of our Redeemer's kingdom.

Yours very affectionately,
JOHN WRIGHT.

THE REOPENING OF BOSTON

CHAPEL.

IT may not be known to some friends in the Connexion that our chapel has been closed for some weeks, undergoing repairs, in consequence of damage done

by a fire which took place on Saturday evening, Oct. 22nd, 1859, occasioned by the shed of a saw-mill adjoining it which took fire, and the flames, extending to the chapel, burnt the windows on the west side, entered the chapel, and moved about in a furious manner, but providentially set fire to nothing but one of the gallery staircases, which was speedily extinguished by an engine from the fire works, or otherwise the gallery might have been consumed, and the chapel completely gutted. Much injury, however, was done to the organ by the heat of the fire, and the damp afterwards. This occurrence, happening when it did, seemed to us most unfortunate. We had just issued bills for the chapel anniversary, intending to follow it by a fortnight's revival services, for which our friends had been praying for some weeks. Thus to be burnt out of our chapel under such circumstances was a great disappointment. We were obliged to hold the anniversary in the Corn Exchange, which took place on the 30th of October and the 6th of November. Sermons were preached on those occasions on the morning of the first Sabbath by myself, the others by my son, from Sunderland. On Monday, the 7th instant, we had a most interesting teaparty, and the anniversary turned out better than we expected. My son preached eight times, and held revival prayer-meetings in the General Baptist Chapel, kindly placed at our service by the ministers and friends; but, in our perplexing circumstances, and the unfavourableness of the season, we had neither the attendance nor the success which we otherwise should have had; yet I am thankful to say that the word of God was attended with great power, and several souls were saved which are now rejoicing in the favour of God. Our Sabbath services were conducted in the Town Hall, kindly lent us by his worship the Mayor. Happily for us, our chapel premises and organ were insured, and what has been allowed by the insurance company will nearly cover expenses. After much inconvenience and anxiety, on January 1st, 1860, we returned with joyful hearts to our beloved Zion, and were delighted to see it so beautiful, and once more to hear the improved tones of our restored organ. God was graciously with us in the services of the day. Monday, the 2nd, was the anniversary of the choir. After an interesting tea party,

we had a beautiful selection of music, interspersed with suitable addresses by ministers and friends. We are now looking to God for a fresh baptism of his Spirit. We have some interesting tokens. Our prayer is that our Zion may travail and bring forth many spiritual children. Amen, and amen! A. LYNN.

EPWORTH CHAPEL. MY DEAR MR. EDITOR,-The readers of our Connexional Magazine would learn from your last number that the long-deferred wishes of many, for the erection of a suitable monument to the late Rev. A. Kilham, were about to be realized-the corner-stone of the memorial chapel having been laid. From the reports I have since received, it appears that considerable progress is being made with the erection. If so, the subscribers, who have been waiting till some steps of an assuring character were taken, before paying their subscriptions, will now, doubtless, feel the necessity of immediately redeeming their promises; and the superintendents of the circuits will, I am sure, feel a pleasure in receiving and sending me the amounts paid.

Those friends of the Connexion, also, who have to the present withheld their help, I hope will now feel it to be incumbent on them to unite with us in promoting the successful issue of the project.

This is due to the venerable founder (under God) of the Connexion, and the liberal church principles he advocated, and the Connexion holds. Due is it, also, to the Connexion itself, which, through its duly-appointed representatives in Conference, have directed the work to be done.

Allow me also to say that no debt should remain on the chapel. This would be, while professing our ardent attachment to Mr. Kilham, and our Connexional principles, in fact and effect, to depreciate both, and dishonour ourselves.

Feeling, as I am thankful to do, concerned that our denominational tenets and government should not suffer in the eyes of the wise and good, but be more fully known and adopted, excuse me urging on the friends of the Connexion the importance of completing this work in a creditable manner, and without any incumbrance upon it. May I, Mr. Editor, say, this must be so? Then shall we be enabled to look back upon the effort with pleasure, and to

feel that we have done a good work in a proper manner, and at a very seasonable time.

May the entire Connexion, the rich and poor together, spontaneously pour in their voluntary offerings, until it shall be said, "It is enough ;" and thus present the beautiful spectacle of a whole Connexion simultaneously rising to do honour to one to whom honour was due. G. L. ROBINSON. P.S. The subscriptions remaining unpaid scarcely exceed half of the amount to be paid for the building.

LEICESTER.

DEAR SIR,-At Christmas time it is a custom here, amongst the various bodies of the Methodist family, to have social gatherings of their members, who partake of the "cup which cheers but not inebriates." We, though only just taking our stand amongst the churches of this town, did not intend to be a whit behind them; so accordingly, on Monday, December 26, a tea meeting was held in the upper room of the New Hall, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion with evergreens, flowers, and appropriate mottoes. Tea was provided gratuitously by the ladies, and about 100 persons partook of the same; after which speeches were delivered by the chairman, Mr. J. Main, Rev. C. Linley, Rev. J. Kelly (town missionary), and Messrs. Hassall, Merrick, Copey, and Robinson. Exhortations to diligence, piety, union, and zeal, were delivered with much pathos and power, to which the people heartily responded. The choir sang several favourite pieces, which added much to the pleasure of the company. J. ROBINSON.

LEEDS.

THIRTEENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE

HUNSLETT CHAPEL. THE annual sermons for the reduction of the debt on the chapel and schools were preached on Sunday, December 18th, 1859, by the Rev. J. Flather, of Sheffield, and on Sunday, December 25th, by the Rev. S. Hulme, of Leeds.

The congregations on both days were unusually thin, in consequence of the inclement state of the weather; but we are happy to say that we have a few generous-hearted friends always ready for every good work, who did not permit the collections to suffer. The sum realized was £101 11d., being a small advance upon the preceding year.

On the three following days the annual bazaar was held, under the efficient presidency of Mrs. Blackburn, assisted by the ladies of the committee. Articles, both useful and ornamental, were exhibited, displaying great beauty and taste, and in greater variety and abundance than on any previous occasion. The sales effected realized the handsome sum of £136 6s. 94d., making a total of £237 7s. 84d.

During the year death has entered our ranks, and taken away a valuable and active member of the ladies' committee. This was a great loss, but our loss is doubtless her eternal gain. But instead of the cause losing its vitality by the removal of its friends, new and increased energies have been called forth, and we have an increase of £18 3s. 6d. over the last year. T. G.

DUDLEY DISTRICT MISSIONARY MEETING.

THIS meeting was originally fixed for the 25th of July. Had Conference been aware that it would be needful to canvass the town of Dudley, and get in subscriptions from our own friends, at that very time, towards the new schools then in course of erection, no doubt some other date would have been named for the special missionary meeting. However, to meet the case as far as possible, a district meeting was convened, and the Dudley friends willing to join in the missionary scheme proposed to have two public meetings in the district. The first, it thought, might be held at Oldbury, or some other convenient place, and the second at Dudley, further on in the year. To this the friends in Oldbury and Tipton circuit raised no objection, but the majority present deemed it better to hold but one meeting, and that one at Dudley, as soon after the schools were finished as possible. The

was

as soon as possible," unfortunately, carried us to a much later date than was expected, for the schools, which should have been finished in September, were not ready for opening until November.

On the 12th of December, about three weeks after the opening services and the bazaar were over, the Special District Missionary Meeting was held in Dudley. The preachers and delegates assembled in the afternoon, and at seven o'clock in the evening a public meeting was held in the chapel. The Rev. Wm. Baggaly, chairman of the district, pre